Old Pulteney 2008 (Signatory)

This is an Old Pulteney single malt, chosen and bottled by Signatory Vintage, aged 13 year old, from 2008, drawn from cask 800060 and bottled at 46%. Just 307 bottles were filled. Old Pulteney was built in 1826 beside the harbour at Wick in the far north; it stands among Scotland's most northerly distilleries. For years it was the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.

The spirit was made in copper stills of singular shape, fed by soft northern water, and matured on the Caithness coast for a salty lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that lets the coastal character lead. Mid age brings a fuller honey and a deeper maritime note. Refill oak holds back its sweetness, letting the distillery's coastal character lead. A faint salinity threads the honey, the mark of long coastal maturation. Sir William Pulteney gave his name to the planned town that grew around the harbour.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Vanilla and a little cream from the barrel runs under a coastal salinity. Soft brine and orchard fruit sit behind the sweetness. The close is slow, brine over soft wax. This is a briny, oily dram from the North Sea coast.